How to get rid of nausea while breastfeeding?

Understanding Nausea While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its numerous benefits, both for the mother and the baby. However, some mothers experience nausea during nursing sessions, which can be distressing and uncomfortable. Understanding the causes and remedies for this nausea is crucial for maintaining a positive breastfeeding experience.
Causes of Nausea During Breastfeeding
Nausea while breastfeeding is not exceedingly common, but it can occur for various reasons. One significant factor is the release of oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates milk let-down. This hormone is also linked to digestion and can trigger feelings of nausea in some women. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in the early weeks postpartum, can contribute to this sensation. For some mothers, nausea may also arise if they are experiencing postpartum issues or even if they are pregnant again.
Remedies and Tips for Relief
If you find yourself feeling nauseous while breastfeeding, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate the discomfort:
1. Positioning: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions may help. Some mothers find that certain positions reduce nausea, possibly by alleviating pressure on the stomach.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and consuming small, frequent meals can help manage nausea. Foods that are bland and easy to digest, such as crackers or toast, may be particularly beneficial.
3. Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing exercises can help calm the body and reduce feelings of nausea. Taking slow, deep breaths before and during breastfeeding can be soothing.
4. Rest and Relaxation: Ensuring you are well-rested can also play a significant role in reducing nausea. Fatigue can exacerbate feelings of sickness, so taking breaks and allowing yourself time to relax is essential.
5. Medication Considerations: In some cases, anti-emetic medications may be appropriate, but they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially while breastfeeding. Medications like Zofran have been discussed in terms of safety during breastfeeding, but consulting with a doctor is crucial to ensure both mother and baby are safe.
6. Home Remedies: Some mothers find relief through natural remedies such as ginger tea or peppermint, both of which are known for their anti-nausea properties.
When to Seek Help
While nausea can be a common experience for some breastfeeding mothers, it is important to monitor the situation. If nausea persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed or if further interventions are necessary.
In conclusion, while nausea during breastfeeding can be an unwelcome challenge, understanding its causes and implementing effective strategies can help mothers navigate this experience more comfortably. With the right approach, breastfeeding can remain a rewarding and fulfilling journey.

Why does breastfeeding make me nauseous?

Nausea that occurs with the milk let-down may be related to the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the milk ejection reflex (MER or let-down), and it also helps make digestion more efficient and is associated with other gut hormones that can cause nausea.

Why am I so nauseous postpartum?

Worries might get in the way of sleep, or could cause a decreased appetite. Some mothers might have trouble sitting still, or will experience symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. Oftentimes, postpartum anxiety can take the form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Why does my baby feel like throwing up while breastfeeding?

Vomiting. Spitting up and dribbling milk with burps or after feedings is fairly common in newborns. This is because the sphincter muscle between the stomach and the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to stomach) is not as strong as it will eventually become as the baby matures.

What are the hardest days of breastfeeding?

Everyone’s experiences of breastfeeding will vary, so there is no one single day which is the hardest. However, typically, breastfeeding is most challenging during the first week. This is because you are adjusting to life as a new mum, even if it is your second baby, or even your third or fourth.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

What day of breastfeeding hurts the most?

Your breasts will feel swollen and painful 2 to 3 days after you give birth. You will need to nurse your baby often to relieve the pain. Pump your breasts if you miss a feeding, or if a feeding does not relieve the pain. Talk to your health care provider if your breasts do not feel better after 1 day.

What can I take for nausea while breastfeeding?

Treating nausea during breastfeeding

• Cyclizine.
• Hyoscine hydrobromide.
• Metoclopramide.
• Ondansetron.
• Prochlorperazine.
• Promethazine.

What is the best medicine for upset stomach while breastfeeding?

Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine
Ranitidine and famotidine appear to carry minimal risk in pregnant women,6, 7 cimetidine has a small risk. Similarly, ranitidine and famotidine are the preferred choices in breastfeeding women.

Can breastfeeding hormones make you feel sick?

Milk ejection can be associated with different sensations that vary dramatically between women. These may be localised to the breast such as a ‘drawing’ pain or tingling, to more systemic sensations such as nausea, thirst, fainting or even mental anxiety and depression8.

How to settle the stomach while breastfeeding?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends kaolin-pectin products (such as Kaopectate) or loperamide products (such as Imodium) for nursing mothers with diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate compounds (such as Pepto Bismol) contain enough aspirin ingredients that they may not be safe for your baby.